Notice of Public Information Meeting, Bridge Infrastructure Master Plan

BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN
MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
MUNICIPALITY OF ARRAN-ELDERSLIE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

THE PROJECT:
The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie currently maintains 62 bridges. In 2019 the Municipality initiated a Bridge Infrastructure Master Plan to identify future infrastructure needs associated with the 17 oldest bridges. Constructed from 1910-1950, it is anticipated that the crossings will require significant rehabilitation or replacement in the next 20 years and, as a group, represent a significant capital commitment for the Municipality. The Master Plan process considered a range of factors associated with each bridge including traffic volumes, capacity, local and regional transportation linkages, expected replacement cost, and potential heritage value. Based on the options that were considered, Arran-Elderslie Council has selected a preferred approach which is to continue to repair or replace crossings. This option means that the Municipality will continue maintaining, repairing, and replacing bridge structures as necessary to ensure the transportation network stays safe and connected, provided these investments continue to be financially sustainable within municipal budgets.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS:
The Infrastructure Master Plan is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA), which is an approved planning process under the Environmental Assessment Act. Master Plan projects incorporate Phases 1 & 2 of the Class EA process and include consultation with government review agencies, Indigenous Communities, adjacent property owners, and the general public.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT:
Public consultation is a key component of this study. A Public Information Meeting is being organized by the Municipality to obtain input from residents on the project status. The meeting will provide an update on the preferred approach for the Master Plan endorsed by Council. This meeting will also give residents an opportunity to provide additional input. Details of the meeting are as follows:
Date: Wednesday December 17th, 2025
Place: Arran-Elderslie Council Chambers (1925 Bruce Road 10, Chesley)
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Presentation at 6:15 p.m.)

NEXT STEPS:
Following the meeting, input into this project will be accepted until January 16, 2026. Following receipt of input, a Master Plan Report will be published for a mandatory 30 day review period before being formally adopted by Council. Any comments collected in conjunction with this Master Plan will be maintained on file for use during the project and may be included in project documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. For further information on this project, or to review the Master Plan process, please contact the project engineers: B.M. Ross and Associates: 62 North Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 2T4. Telephone: (519) 524-2641. Kelly Vader, Environmental Planner (e-mail: kvader@bmross.net).

Scott McLeod, Works Manager
Municipality of Arran-Elderslie
This Notice Issued December 1, 2025